2014-15 Europa League Match Preview: Dinamo Minsk vs. Fiorentina

Although they quite differ in their performances in their respective domestic leagues—with the Belarusian club occupying a much better position—Dinamo Minsk and Fiorentina have had opposing results in the Group stage kick-off of the UEFA Europa League.

Dinamo Minsk

At the Belarus’ top-tier league, Dinamo rank second to BATE Borisov as per the 22nd week of fixtures. However, their past few matches have so far been frustrating, which include draws with BATE and Torpedo as well as a defeat to Shakhtyor. At their Champions League group stage debut, they incurred a similar fate as they lost all the spoils to PAOK after conceding six goals and only scoring one. A second-half goal by Nemanja Nikolic prevented them from suffering a clean sheet downfall, especially not after he fired an own goal early in the meeting.

Fiorentina

Unbeaten in five matches, Fiorentina have made a successful turnaround of their Serie A position after they debuted in the new season at the foot of the league rankings. They are now within the league’s top half and are likely to climb further up if they are able to maintain their momentum. At the Europa League, they thrashed Guingamp in a three-goal clean sheet to kick off their Group stage campaign with a major bang. Goals from Vargas, Cuadrado, an Bernardeschi sealed the victory.